PM told 'tighten immigration control'

Tony Blair has been urged to impose tighter controls to prevent increased immigration from eastern European countries joining the European Union.

On May 1, 10 countries including Hungary, Slovakia, Poland and the Czech Republic will accede to the EU, sparking fears of an influx of unskilled workers seeking benefits in the UK.

Tory home affairs spokesman Humfrey Malins accused the Government of being unprepared for such a scenario, saying immigrants, including Roma gypsies, could become a "burden" on the benefits system.

"There are millions of people in these various eastern European countries who could come, under the Government's plans at the moment, on May 1," he told BBC1's The Politics Show.

"What people are entitled to worry about is the prospect of tens of thousands coming in from the Czech Republic, from the Roma background, seeking work, with no skills, unable to get jobs and subsequently being a burden on the benefits system."

Quizzed on the issue at Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Mr Blair said ministers were looking at the "potential risk" and may close off concessions if necessary.

But the UK has reacted more slowly than European neighbours, such as Germany and France, which have already imposed controls on immigration, Mr Malins said.

"The Government, quite unlike our European counterparts, have put no obstacles, no cutting of benefits for couple of years and no restrictions on work.

"They don't seem to have a plan to cope with what might happen. The Prime Minister seemed surprised to hear it raised this week. He is reacting very late."

Simon Hughes, the Liberal Democrat candidate for London Mayor, said although people were right to be concerned, there was nothing to "panic" about. Rules were in place to prevent anyone claiming benefits until they had a "secure" job, he said.